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Residency Application Timeline

Applying to the match is an intensive endeavor, and you will spend hours (and hours) of your time completing the process. The residency application timeline and tasks below are designed to spread the workload over a reasonable amount of time so you can develop the strongest application possible without the anxiety-inducing stress of missing a detail or rushing through a document because residency application opening day is looming.

Key dates for the 2026-27 match cycle will be updated when released.

Key Application Dates 2025:

June 4 – ERAS application opens for USMDs and DOs 

June 26 – Tokens available to IMGs

July/August – Prepare ERAS/CAS Application 

September 3 – First day to certify & apply to programs

September 15 – NRMP Registration opens; create R3 account

September 24 – ERAS applications available to programs, 9 am ET

Key Application Dates 2026:

January 30 – NRMP Registration Deadline ($50 late fee after)

February 2 – R3 opens for ranking

March 4 – ROL deadline

March 5 – NRMP Registration deadline

March 16 – Start of Match week/SOAP begins

March 20 – Match Day!

Stay prepared! Explore the detailed residency application timeline and checklist below.

residency application timeline

April / May

  • Download the ERAS Applicant Worksheet and begin gathering information. Make a list of questions about the application and ask a knowledgeable mentor to clarify them.
  • Familiarize yourself with this checklist and keep it updated throughout application season.
  • Begin requesting Letters of Recommendation (LoRs). Make a list of your letter writers and keep track of requested/uploaded LoRs here. Share the link to the AAMC’s LOR Portal for Authors (LORP) with your letter writers. Note: Letter writers will not be able to upload until you have obtained and registered your ERAS Token in June.
    • IM applicants should secure an IM SEL (previously known as the Chair Letter or Department Letter).
    • EM applicants should plan to submit 2 SLOEs along with 1-2 narrative LoRs.
    • Orthopedic surgery applicants should submit 1 eSLOR.
  • Decide what specialty you’ll apply to. If you’re applying to secondary fields, plan to prepare specialty-specific personal statements and LoRs.
  • ERAS Photo: Schedule professional photos and get this easy item out of the way now!
  • Confirm your school will prepare your MSPE.
    • Write your Noteworthy Characteristics and send to your school.
    • If you must prepare your own MSPE, refer to these AAMC guidelines and template.

June

  • Sign up for an AAMC account (you’ll need this to register your Token).
  • Obtain your ERAS Token via your Designated Dean’s Office (ECFMG/MyIntealth for IMGs – June 26th for IMGs). The AAMC offers specific instructions for registering on the MyERAS Portal here.
  • Upload ERAS Photo.
  • Send formal Letter Request Form via MyERAS to LoR authors.
  • Begin completing the basic information and demographic sections of the MyERAS Application. Save your application progress, but do not certify your application. After certifying, you cannot add or change anything except for personal/contact information.
  • Start researching programs and recording their requirements/preferences. Here’s a simple tracking sheet you can use. 

June continued...

  • Compile a list of all possible activities to include in your MyERAS Application. Don’t leave anything out, even if the experience feels “small” in your eyes! When selecting experiences for your 10 ERAS CV entries, it’s best to start with the full scope of options. For initial brainstorming, include everything from these categories:
    • Work 
    • Volunteer
    • Education/Training
    • Military Service
    • Research 
    • Teaching/Mentoring
    • Professional Organization
  • Brainstorm ideas for your PS and create a rough draft. It may seem early now, but this document is best approached over a period of weeks, not days!

July

  • Schedule dedicated writing and revision time to finalize your PS by the end of the month.
  • Begin selecting activities from your comprehensive list of experiences. Review these articles for guidance on bundling and writing strategies, and then start drafting descriptions.
  • Continue filling in the basic information and demographic sections of MyERAS.
  • Follow up on LoRs. Letters may take up to 3 weeks to become available in ERAS after uploading.
  • Take Step 2 by 7/29-8/15 as it can take 2-8 weeks for your score to be released.

August

  • Continue writing your experience descriptions and select 3 meaningful experiences.
  • Write supplemental MyERAS content:
    • 3 geographic preferences
    • Setting preference
    • Impactful experience (if applicable)
    • Academic/professional interruptions or extensions (if applicable)
    • Hobbies
    • Publications, presentations, etc.
    • Additional questions section
    • Specialty-specific questions (as of 4/2025: anesthesiology, plastic surgery integrated, neurosurgery)
  • Follow up on MSPE and transcript if outstanding.
  • Ensure all available LoRs are uploaded and confirmed in ERAS; set follow-up reminders for those that aren’t.
  • Finalize all MyERAS Application content by the end of August.

Early-Mid September

  • Complete a final proofread of your personal statement(s) and upload into ERAS. If uploading multiple versions for specific programs/different specialties, make sure to name each file clearly.
  • Review and proofread your entire MyERAS Application. Download in PDF format, print, and mark corrections with a pen. Why? You are more likely to notice errors on paper than on the screen.
  • Follow up on any outstanding LoRs.
  • Follow up on MSPE (if outstanding).
  • Continue program research.
  • Finalize how you’ll use allotted signals.
  • Register with the NRMP (9/15) and ensure your ID populates in ERAS within 2-3 business days.

Late September

  • Confirm MSPE, Transcript, personal statement(s), and LoRs are uploaded/available in ERAS.
  • Make any final additions to your MyERAS for recent/current experiences; proofread and save.
  • Aim to Certify your MyERAS 1-2 weeks before ERAS opens to programs on 9/23/2026 (9a ET).
  • Finalize program research and signal selections.
  • In ERAS:
    • Select programs.
    • Assign signals. (You cannot signal a program or remove a signal after paying for your applications, so make sure your signal selections are correct before applying!)
    • Ensure the correct personal statement and LoRs are assigned to each program.
    • Verify your Photo, MSPE, and Transcript are assigned to all programs.
  • When ready, submit and pay for your applications at least 48 hours prior to ERAS release, as USMLE Transcripts may take 1-2 days to populate once authorized and released. 

All applications submitted prior to the ERAS release date/time will contain the same timestamp. Applying earlier in September is not an advantage. 

Note: IMGs should incorporate USMLE exams and Pathway approval/ECFMG certification milestones as needed from April – September.

Access your copy of a step-by-step checklist to mark off as you complete each major task.